Library News Release

The Seattle Public Library's Northeast Branch, 6801 35th Ave. N.E., will temporarily close at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23 for refurbishing to make it easier for customers to pick up items on hold.

The 15,000-square-foot branch handles more hold requests than almost any other branch, and demand has exceeded available space. Customers now must check several places for their holds, and overflow items waiting to be picked up are stacked on tables near the lobby.

The refurbishing work will double the space for holds by converting the existing teens area to the holds pick-up area. Two more self-checkout computers also will be added. The teens area will move to the north end of the branch. The layout of the work room and the interior book drop will be reconfigured so staff members can more quickly sort and process items.

The branch is expected to reopen in early October. A reopening date will be set after the refurbishing work is under way.

Users may choose any other Library location as a pickup location for items placed on hold, interlibrary loan requests or purchase suggestions. Patrons may return Library materials to any branch. If Northeast Branch customers don't select an alternate branch, their holds will be sent to the Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Ave. N.E, 206-684-7518.